JPH0652509B2 - Program development support device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Industrial field of application] The present invention reduces the processing time of a source program created when a real-time processing program such as a DSP [digital signal processor] or a general-purpose MPU [microprocessing unit] is developed. The present invention relates to a program development support device for improving development efficiency by calculating.

[Conventional technology]

In developing a program such as a DSP, it is necessary to know whether the execution time is within a specified time because the created program is required to have real-time property. Therefore, conventionally, the object program is actually operated and its execution time is measured.

The conventional program development procedure will be described with reference to FIG.

First, a source program is created and edited using an editor (P1). Next, the source program is assembled (P2). Furthermore, the object program generated by this assemble processing is executed by the emulator (P3). Then, the execution time is measured at this time, and if it is within the specified time, the program is completed (P4). However, if this execution time does not fall within the specified time, the process returns to P1 source program editing for debugging. Then, this process is repeated until the measured execution time falls within the specified time.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

However, the execution time of a program such as a DSP is not constant due to a difference in input condition or other conditional branching. Therefore, in order to measure the longest execution time of the program in P3, it is necessary to try all these conditions.

However, this execution time measurement is performed in real time in order to actually operate the object program. Therefore, in a slightly complicated program, it takes a huge amount of time to execute all the conditions.

Therefore, conventionally, since it takes a long time to measure the execution time of the object program, there has been a problem that the efficiency of program development is deteriorated.

[Means for Solving the Problems]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a program development supporting apparatus according to the present invention sets a specified time setting means for setting a specified time indicating a maximum allowable limit of a program execution time, and an execution time of each processing unit used in the program. According to the time table creating means for creating the set time table and each execution procedure of the program, the processing unit of this program is set to 1
A simulation means for simulating step by step, a processing time calculation means for reading out and executing an execution time corresponding to a processing unit from a time table each time the simulation means simulates one step, and an integration result of the processing time calculation means. A prescribed time comparing means for comparing the prescribed time set by the prescribed time setting means and a notice when the integrated result exceeds the prescribed time by comparison of the prescribed time comparing means, and the processing time calculating means It is characterized by having an output means for outputting the integration result.

[Work]

The stipulated time setting means sets the maximum allowable execution time for maintaining the real-time property of the program as the stipulated time. Further, it is possible to simultaneously set a specified time indicating a maximum allowable limit for ensuring a margin of execution time in which a new function or the like can be added to the program.
Further, the specified time indicating the maximum allowable limit may be set at the same time for each processing routine in the program, or for each processing step in the program, or the like.

The time table creating means sets an execution time of each processing unit used in the program to be developed and creates a time table. The processing unit includes one instruction such as a target DSP and the like, as well as a program unit, a subroutine, other programs and the like, which are composed of these and have a known execution time. This processing unit may have different execution times depending on its processing conditions. In that case, the execution time is set for each condition. However, if there is a circumstance such that setting for each condition is difficult, at least the maximum execution time of the processing unit is set.

The program is usually held in the RAM or the like in the state of the source program. The simulating means simulates the processing unit step by step according to the execution procedure of this program. The simulation executes processing such as calculation for each processing unit, and proceeds while holding each processing condition such as the processing result and input condition as in the case of actual execution. Further, in the case of a conditional branch, the branch is performed according to the processing condition held. When a series of execution procedures of the program is completed, another execution procedure under different input conditions or the like is simulated automatically according to a preset procedure or by an operation.

The processing time calculation means reads out the execution time corresponding to the processing unit from the time table and integrates it every time the simulation means simulates step by step. At this time, when the processing unit has a plurality of execution times set for each condition, the execution time corresponding to the held processing condition is read. The integration of the execution time is usually performed for each series of execution procedures. However, depending on the case, the integration may be performed in parallel for each processing routine or each processing stage. All the integration results obtained in this way may be retained as they are. It is also possible to compare the accumulated result with the maximum accumulated result up to that time each time a series of execution procedures is completed, and always hold only the maximum accumulated result.

If there is a processing unit for which the execution time is not set in the time table, the operator may be notified when simulating the processing unit, and the additional setting of the execution time by the time table creating means may be prompted. it can. In this way, it is possible to continue the simulation, so that the time taken up to that point is not wasted.

The specified time comparison means compares the integrated result obtained by the processing time calculation means with the specified time set by the specified time setting means. Then, when the integration result exceeds the specified time, an output for notifying is issued. The comparison of the specified time comparison means is usually performed step by step. In addition, when the specified time is set for each processing routine or each processing stage, etc., comparison is also made with the corresponding specified times.

The output means issues a warning sound and outputs a CRT when the specified time comparison means outputs an output because the integration result exceeds the specified time.
The operator is notified of the abnormality by means such as displaying the situation. At this time, the simulation by the simulation means is temporarily stopped. Further, this output means outputs the integrated result accumulated by the processing time calculation means, a CRT, a printer, etc. at the end of the simulation. At this time, in addition to outputting all the integration results, the maximum integration result, the minimum integration result, the average value of the integration results, and the like may be calculated and then output. It should be noted that the result of integration by the output means may be output not only at the end of the simulation but also at the end of a series of execution procedures, for example.

As described above, the program development support apparatus of the present invention can calculate the execution time by simulation instead of executing the program in real time, so that the result can be obtained in a short time. In particular, in the case of a program including a large number of processing units irrelevant to processing conditions and program units and subroutines whose execution times are known, results can be obtained in an extremely short time even when the execution procedure is diverse. In addition, if it is found that the execution time has exceeded the specified time during this simulation, the operator will be immediately notified of this, so that unnecessary simulations after that will be prevented and prompt measures will be taken against the excess of time. be able to.

Note that the present invention is also used for developing a general program that requires real-time processing, such as a DSP M real-time processing program and a general-purpose MPU communication processing program. Further, even in the case of a program that does not require real-time processing, it can be used when the execution time is useful.

〔Example〕

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

This embodiment shows a case where a program for a DSP for modem is developed.

The program development support device is composed of a microcomputer and various input / output devices connected thereto.

The input device 1 is connected to the specified time register 2, the time table 3 and the input buffer 4. This input device comprises a keyboard and an input device from an external storage device. It may also include OCR or the like if necessary. The specified time register 2 sets a specified time indicating the maximum allowable limit of the execution time of the program to be created by the input from the input device 1. The time table 3 is a table in which the execution time of each instruction of the DSP is set by the input from the input device 1. The input buffer 4 is for inputting and storing the created source program from the input device 1. The specified time register 2, the time table 3 and the input buffer 4 are the R in the microcomputer.
It is composed by AM.

The specified time register 2 is connected to the comparison unit 5. Further, the time table 3 is connected to the processing time calculation unit 6. Further, the input buffer 4 is connected to the simulation section 7. Processing time calculation unit 6 and simulation unit 7
Are connected to each other. Further, the processing time calculation unit 6 is connected to the comparison unit 5, and the comparison unit 5 is connected to the simulation unit 7. The simulation unit 7 includes an input buffer 4
The source program stored in is simulated step by step. Then, the processing time calculation unit 6
The execution time of each simulated instruction is read from the time table 3 step by step and integrated.
The comparison unit 5 compares the integration result integrated by the processing time calculation unit 6 with the specified time read from the specified time register 2 step by step. These comparison parts 5
The processing time calculation unit 6 and the simulation unit 7 are composed of a CPU and a RAM of a microcomputer.

The output device includes a buzzer 8, a CRT display device 9 and a printer 10. The comparison unit 5 is connected to the buzzer 8. A specified time register 2, a time table 3, an input buffer 4, a comparison unit 5 and a simulation unit 7 are connected to the CRT display device 9, and a list of set specified times, a list of execution times of respective commands and the like are input. A list of source programs, notifications when execution time is exceeded, and simulation execution status are displayed. A processing time calculation unit 6 and a simulation unit 7 are connected to the printer 10 and output an execution time integration result, a simulation execution result, and the like.

The processing programs of these devices and the like are stored in the ROM of the microcomputer or read and stored in the RAM from the external storage device via the input device 1.

The operation of the program development support device having the above configuration will be described.

To set the specified time in the specified time register 2, the input device 1 is used to enter the specified time. This specified time is the maximum allowable execution time for maintaining the real-time property of the program, and the maximum allowable execution time for ensuring a margin of execution time for adding new functions to the program. Or each processing routine in the program, or the execution time for each processing step in the program is included.

To set the execution time in the time table 3, input device 1
In addition to inputting with the keyboard in, the data previously created for the DSP may be read from the external storage device. The execution time is set in addition to each instruction of the DSP, including program units, subroutines and other programs whose execution time is known. Further, for example, in a program unit such as a "sin-cos generator", the processing time differs depending on whether the sin operation or the cos operation is performed and the value of the angle θ passed as an argument. Therefore, in this case, the execution time for each processing condition or the maximum execution time among them is set.

The source program stored in the external storage device is read into the input buffer 4 via the input device 1. If the source program is printed on the document, it is read using the OCR in the input device 1.
Further, when the present device is equipped with an editor, it may be created directly on the input buffer 4 by the keyboard of the input device 1.

The simulating unit 7 first reads the source program stored in the input buffer 4 step by step according to the execution procedure. Next, the read one-step instruction or the like is simulated. As for this simulation, the same processing as that at the time of execution is performed for those related to processing conditions and the like. Then, the processing result, the input condition set in advance, and the like are retained as in the case of execution. However, other processes are not executed. In the case of conditional branch,
It branches according to the processing conditions that it holds. When a series of execution procedures of the source program is completed, another execution procedure with different input conditions or the like is subsequently simulated.

The processing time calculation unit 6 reads out the execution time corresponding to the instruction and the like from the time table 3 and integrates each time the simulation unit 7 performs one step of simulation. At this time, when the instruction or the like has a plurality of execution times set for each condition, the execution time corresponding to the held processing condition is read. The integration of the execution time is performed for each series of execution procedures. The integration results thus obtained are retained as they are.

When the processing time calculating unit 6 finds a program unit or the like for which the execution time is not set in the time table 3, the simulating unit 7 immediately detects the CRT display device 9.
Is output to notify the operator of this fact, and a standby state for input is entered. The operator
When this notification is given, by additionally setting the processing time of the program unit etc. in the time table 3,
You can continue to simulate.

The comparison unit 5 compares the integration result accumulated by the processing time calculation unit 6 with the specified time set in the specified time register 2. This comparison is performed step by step. Further, it is also compared with the corresponding processing routine and the specified time for each processing stage. As a result of this comparison, if the integrated result exceeds the specified time, the comparison unit 5 outputs an output.

The buzzer 8 emits a warning sound according to the output from the comparison unit 5. Also, when an output is issued from this comparison unit 5,
The simulation in the simulation section 7 is stopped, and the CRT display device 9 displays the situation of time overrun. This CRT
The display on the display device 9 is performed, for example, by indicating the step number of the source program and the instruction when the time is exceeded with a cursor.

In this way, when it is announced that the execution time of the program is exceeded, the operator determines whether to continue the simulation or modify the source program, and takes the measures. If the cause of this time excess is not due to a coding mistake in the program,
The modification can be made by shortening the execution time by changing the algorithm or reducing the function of the modem. When measures such as correction of the source program are completed in this way, simulation is started again.

When the simulation of each execution procedure under all the input conditions is completed as described above, the processing time calculation unit 6
Outputs the integration result to the printer 10. At this time, the processing time calculation unit 6 can select the maximum integration result and the minimum integration result from all the integration results that it holds, and can also calculate and output the average value of these integration results. The simulation unit 7 outputs to the printer 10 the input conditions and the like of the execution procedure, along with these integration results. Further, it is of course possible to display this on the CRT display device 9.

The operator can know the execution time of the created source program from these output results. Therefore, when this execution time is appropriate for the specified value, the creation of the source program is completed. Furthermore, if the execution time still has a sufficient margin with respect to the maximum specified value, it is possible to consider adding a function or expanding the range of acceptance of the parallel processing program.

A procedure for developing a program using this program development support apparatus will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, a source program is created and edited by an editor (S1). When the source program is completed, it is read into the input buffer 4 by the input device 1, and the input device 1 sets the time table 3 and the specified time in the specified time register 2 (S2). When these inputs are completed, the simulation section 7 executes the simulation step by step (S3). At the same time, the processing time calculation unit 6 integrates the execution time of the step. After completing the one-step simulation,
At this time, it is judged whether or not the integrated result by the processing time calculation unit 6 exceeds the specified time (S4).

If the integrated result does not exceed the specified time, it is determined whether the simulation has ended (S5).
If the simulation has not ended, the process returns to S3 and the simulation of the next step is performed. Further, even if a series of execution procedures are completed, if there are still processing conditions to be executed, the simulation of execution procedures under different processing conditions is continued. When it is determined in S5 that the execution procedure of all the processing conditions has been completed, the processing time calculation unit 6 outputs the integration result of the execution times to the CRT display device 9 and the printer 10 (S6), and the processing is performed. To complete.

Further, in S4, when the integration result exceeds the specified time, the simulation by the simulation unit 7 is temporarily stopped, the buzzer 8 emits a warning sound, and this situation is displayed on the CRT display device 9 (S7). . Then, the operator is asked to decide whether or not to continue the simulation thereafter (S8). The operator gives an instruction to this with the keyboard of the input device 1. If this instruction is to continue the simulation,
The process moves to S5. In this case, the specified time on the specified time register 2 is canceled.

If the instruction is to stop the simulation, the process returns to S1. Then, the operator debugs the source program and repeats the above processing from S2. At this time, setting of the time table 3 and setting of the specified time are unnecessary. In addition, when it is sufficient to correct the details of the source program, it is possible to perform a process of returning an appropriate number of steps from the step S8 and restarting the simulation.

As described above, when the output result obtained in S6 is satisfactory, the source program is completed. By assembling the source program, an object program for operating the DSP can be obtained.

〔The invention's effect〕

As described above, the program development support apparatus according to the present invention includes a specified time setting means for setting a specified time indicating a maximum allowable limit of the program execution time, and a time for setting the execution time of each processing unit used in the program. A time table creating means for creating a table, a simulating means for simulating the processing unit of this program step by step according to each execution procedure of the program, and each time the simulating means simulates one step, it corresponds to the processing unit. The processing time calculating means for reading and integrating the execution time from the time table, the specified time comparing means for comparing the integration result of the processing time calculating means with the specified time set by the specified time setting means, and the specified time comparing means. If the accumulated result exceeds the specified time by comparison, a notification will be given, and It forms a structure and an output means for outputting the integration result of physical calculation means.

As a result, the execution time can be calculated by simulation without executing the program in real time. Also, if the execution time exceeds the specified time, it will be announced immediately even during the simulation.

Therefore, the present invention can calculate the execution time of the program in a short time, and can take a prompt measure against the excess of the time, so that the development efficiency of the real-time processing program can be improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

1 and 2 show an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a program development supporting apparatus, and FIG. 2 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the program developing supporting apparatus. is there. FIG. 3 shows a conventional example and is a block diagram showing a development procedure of a conventional real-time processing program. 1 is an input device, 2 is a specified time register, 3 is a time table, 5 is a comparison unit, 6 is a processing time calculation unit, 7 is a simulation unit, 8 is a buzzer, 9 is a CRT display device, and 10 is a printer.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A specified time setting means for setting a specified time indicating a maximum allowable limit of the execution time of a program, and a time table creation means for creating a time table in which the execution time of each processing unit used in the program is set. According to each execution procedure of the program, a simulating means for simulating the processing unit of this program one step at a time, and a processing for reading and integrating the execution time corresponding to the processing unit from the time table each time the simulating means simulates one step. The integration result exceeds the specified time by comparing the time calculation means, the specified time comparison means for comparing the integrated result of this processing time calculation means with the specified time set by the specified time setting means, and this specified time comparison means. In case of notifying, and output the integration result of the processing time calculation means Program development support apparatus characterized by comprising a stage.